Project Profile: Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension

The Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension is a 3.9-kilometer light rail project that has significantly expanded public transit capacity and connectivity in Tacoma, Washington. This profile details the technical specifications, key contractors, and strategic impact of the now-operational extension, which connects downtown Tacoma with the city’s key medical and residential districts.

Technical Specifications

The Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension features a double-track alignment built predominantly within existing roadway right-of-way. The project included the construction of six new stations: S 4th Street, Stadium District, Tacoma General, 6th Avenue, Hilltop District, and St. Joseph. A significant infrastructure component was the relocation of the existing Theater District station to a more strategic position at Old City Hall. The extension is powered by an overhead catenary system (OCS), which required extensive utility relocation and coordination prior to installation. Trackwork consists of a direct-fixation track slab designed for urban environments to minimize vibration and noise.

To service the expanded line, Sound Transit procured five Liberty Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) from Brookville Equipment Corporation. These modern, ADA-compliant vehicles have a capacity of over 100 passengers and feature a low-floor design for seamless boarding. The operational plan supports headways of 10 minutes during peak periods, ensuring frequent and reliable service along the corridor. The project also included comprehensive civil works, such as roadway improvements, upgraded traffic signals, and the construction of ADA-compliant curb ramps and sidewalks to enhance station accessibility.

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced Urban Mobility: The extension directly connects Downtown Tacoma to the dense Stadium District, the “Medical Mile” hospital corridor, and the Hilltop neighborhood, significantly improving access to jobs, healthcare, and services without reliance on single-occupancy vehicles.
• Successful Multi-Source Funding Model: The project’s financial structure demonstrates a robust partnership between federal, regional, and local entities. Major funding was secured through a $75 million Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Small Starts grant, supplemented by Sound Transit 2 revenues and other state and federal grants.
• Catalyst for Transit-Oriented Development: By establishing a permanent, high-capacity transit spine, the project has spurred economic activity and focused urban development along its route, encouraging denser, more walkable community planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the route of the Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension?

The Hilltop Tacoma Link Extension runs 3.9 kilometers from the Theater District, through the Stadium District and Medical Mile, to the Hilltop neighborhood, adding six new stations to the system: S 4th Street, Stadium District, Tacoma General, 6th Avenue, Hilltop District, and St. Joseph.

Who built the Tacoma Link Extension?

The project was owned and operated by Sound Transit, with Walsh Construction serving as the primary general contractor. The light rail vehicles were manufactured by Brookville Equipment Corporation, and geotechnical engineering was managed by Shannon & Wilson.